Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds | Dogs

By RebeccaSimpson
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).

Though purebred dogs are still popular, hybrid dogs, or mixtures of one or more breeds, are also gaining attention. Hybrids often have resulting cute-sounding names in addition to being cute-looking new versions of dogs. Examples of hybrids are: the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog). Hybrids have characteristics of both parents and this may add to the overall health and beauty of the end result.

Thus, this breed is often utilized in the hopes of retaining its non-allergy causing genetics. The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, is one example of a Bichon hybrid. It is important to note that hybrids are not pure breeds. They are a mix of one of more breeds. Mixed breeds are usually referred to as "mutts," but hybrids are different than mutts because both parents have documented ancestry.

Hybrid dogs are the result of mixing two or more pure breeds. Though most mixed breeds are known as "mutts," hybrids have parents with documented ancestry. Many dog lovers want a pet with the traits of more than one breed. In hybrids, any mixture of hereditary traits of both purebred parents is possible but resulting dogs will have recognizable characteristics of both breeds. These dogs, called "designer dogs" by the media, are highly sought after possibly due to their cute-sounding names as well as their appearance.

Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.

Bichon Shih Tzudogs are the hybrid of two breeds with a long and documented history. It is no surprise that there are fans of both breeds that may wish to have the qualities of both in one dog. The Shih Tzu is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. The dogs of Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu originated in China and may date back 2000 years.

The Bichon Frise can be traced back to 600 B.C. Descended from dogs called Barbichon in the Mediterranean. Spanish sailors took the 'Bichon' out to sea because of the breed's happy temperament. The breed made its way to Europe and the French added "Frise" to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. The Bichon was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1973.

It is no surprise that there are fans of both breeds that may wish to have the lineage and other qualities of both in one dog. It may be possible that the hybrid of these two remarkable breeds one day gains recognition as a pure breed by the American Kennel Association.

About the Author

About the author: Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Shih Tzu Types plus a whole lot more.

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